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Entry Level Plastics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Purchasing

Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$65K/yr

Entry Level Purchasing 1st shift E-Verify Location: Elgin, IL | On-Site JOB SUMMARY: Primary Duties ... Work closely with engineers and estimators to facilitate project quotes, color chip approval, and ...

CNC Programmer

Las Vegas, NV ยท On-site

$25 - $34/hr

Operate CNC routers or mills to cut wood, plastics, and non-ferrous materials to precise ... Experience operating CNC milling and/or turning machines. * Entry-level to intermediate experience ...

CNC Programmer

Thomaston, ME ยท On-site

$27.50 - $37.50/hr

The Entry Level CNC Programmer is expected to learn to program and run programs for the machines in ... Experience with machining a variety of materials (plastics, metals, woods etc.) * Experience in ...

Mechanical Engineer I

Owatonna, MN ยท Hybrid

$66K - $95K/yr

... (entry-level candidates encouraged to apply) * Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks ... Knowledge of plastic part design, including; injection molding, Part design for manufacturability ...

Mechanical Engineer I

Schaumburg, IL ยท Hybrid

$66K - $95K/yr

... (entry-level candidates encouraged to apply) * Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks ... Knowledge of plastic part design, including; injection molding, Part design for manufacturability ...

Mechanical Engineer I

Owatonna, MN ยท On-site

$66K - $95K/yr

... (entry-level candidates encouraged to apply) * Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks ... Knowledge of plastic part design, including; injection molding, Part design for manufacturability ...

Controls Engineering Co-Op

Monroe, NC

$77K - $100K/yr

Their activities will be supervised by an experienced Controls Engineer, and they will be assigned ... High School or entry level AutoCAD knowledge preferred * Ability to complete the cooperative ...

Controls Engineering Co-Op

Monroe, NC ยท On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

Their activities will be supervised by an experienced Controls Engineer, and they will be assigned ... High School or entry level AutoCAD knowledge preferred * Ability to complete the cooperative ...

Controls Engineering Co-Op

Monroe, NC

$77K - $100K/yr

Their activities will be supervised by an experienced Controls Engineer, and they will be assigned ... High School or entry level AutoCAD knowledge preferred * Ability to complete the cooperative ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Plastics Engineer information

See salary details

$30K

$69.4K

$118K

How much do entry level plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level plastics engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level plastics engineer do?

An Entry Level Plastics Engineer assists in the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of plastic products and components. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, learning about different types of plastics, processing methods like injection molding, and quality control practices. Their responsibilities may include conducting material tests, evaluating product prototypes, troubleshooting production issues, and supporting process improvements. This role is ideal for recent graduates with a background in chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field. Entry level plastics engineers often gain hands-on experience and foundational knowledge that prepares them for more advanced positions in the plastics industry.

What are some typical projects or tasks an entry level plastics engineer might work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Plastics Engineer, you can expect to work on projects such as assisting in the design and testing of plastic components, supporting manufacturing process improvements, and conducting material property analyses. You may be involved in troubleshooting production issues, collaborating with senior engineers to develop prototypes, and ensuring products meet quality and regulatory standards. This role often requires close teamwork with manufacturing, quality assurance, and design departments, providing valuable exposure to the full product lifecycle and opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level plastics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Plastics Engineer, you need a background in materials science or chemical engineering, with knowledge of polymer properties and processing techniques. Familiarity with CAD software, injection molding machinery, and relevant industry standards or certifications (like Six Sigma or ISO) is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in collaborative environments and troubleshoot manufacturing issues. These skills are crucial for ensuring product quality, optimizing production, and supporting innovation in plastics applications.

What is the difference between Entry Level Plastics Engineer vs Junior Plastics Designer?

AspectEntry Level Plastics EngineerJunior Plastics Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Plastics Engineering, Materials Science, or related fieldBachelor's in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, design officesDesign studios, product development teams, manufacturing settings
Industry UsagePlastic product manufacturing, automotive, packagingConsumer products, packaging, product design
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Plastics Engineer and a Junior Plastics Designer lies in their focus areas. Engineers typically work on material selection, process optimization, and product testing, while designers focus on aesthetics, ergonomics, and conceptual development. Both roles often collaborate in product development but serve distinct functions within the plastics industry.

More about Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Plastics Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Plastics Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Plastics Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Plastics Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Engineering Assistant - 1st Shift (7:00 AM - 3:30 PM; Monday - Friday)

Vital Plastics LLC

Baldwin, WI โ€ข On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description:

Shift: 1st Shift (7:00 AM - 3:30 PM; Monday - Friday)


Position Purpose: The Engineering Assistant provides support to the Engineering and Quality teams in a variety of processes. They assist with quoting, annual customer account reviews, project billing and POs, oversee the Document Control process, create and implement Engineering Change Orders, and oversee the tooling bailment agreements.


Engineering Support

  • Utilize and maintain Project Manager within ERP System (Delmiaworks) to track, monitor, and report on project status, compile tool build packets/files for accounting and cost tracking as needed
  • Create Order Acknowledgements for customers, POs for vendors, sales orders, and invoices for tooling and tooling related items in a timely manner
  • Assign tool IDs, set up new item numbers in the ERP system (Delmiaworks)
  • Assist Project Engineers and Product Planner with Quoting, packaging studies, annual pricing reviews, and other tasks as assigned
  • Create sample work orders and supply to Scheduling, Assist Process Engineers or Sample Technicians as needed during samples
  • Serve as one of the primary contacts for ITW Tooling Transfers, Assembly transfers, Product Samples,
  • Sample Billing, material and pricing updates
  • Assist Engineering and Quality as needed with PPAP submissions, documentation updates, and control of customer product and technical specifications
  • All of the above assist the Engineering and Quality departments in day to day activities for project development, sampling, and tooling management as well as ensuring documentation for the Production Floor is accurate. These tasks help to ensure project delivery to agreed upon customer expectations.

Document Control

  • Create forms, templates, work instructions, and place into control as required
  • Ensure that documentation updates made to controlled documents are accurate and that the proper work flow is utilized for document approval through the Doc Control Module within Delimiaworks
  • Update Documents within Delmiaworks libraries, attach appropriately to BOMs
  • File and archive records electronically

Delmiaworks Software

  • Work within ERP System (Delmiaworks) for Quoting, Creating BOMs, Item #s, POs, Sales Orders, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned


Qualifications/Experience:

  • Required
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Detail oriented
  • Diligence and sense of urgency for task completion
  • Good communication skills, written and verbal
  • Must be versatile, able to prioritize and handle multiple tasks
  • Good computer skills, especially in the areas of Excel, Word, PowerPoint
  • Ability to work well with others and in a team environment
  • Intermediate level blueprint reading skills
  • Intermediate math skills, understanding conversions between metric and empirical units, ratios, volume, and area calculations
  • Desired
  • Advanced Education in Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline
  • 3-5 year’s work experience in a plastic manufacturing environment
  • Experience in SolidWorks CAD software at entry level minimum
  • Delmiaworks ERP Software experience preferred but will train
  • Previous work experience and/or training with ISO requirements and compliance
  • Knowledge of LEAN manufacturing principles

Performance Standards/Critical Competencies for Success:

  • Performance Standards
  • Understanding and following ISO 9001 Standards & Procedures
  • Ensure minimal errors in bill of materials for proper invoicing and payment
  • Competencies
  • Attention to Detail
  • Ability to Prioritize and Multi-Task
  • Organization Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Project Management
Requirements: